All for the Common Good
"All for the Common Good" is a motto that reflects the mission of the University of St. Thomas and its faculty members, which aligns with my personal convictions and commitments. Many of the pages and links on my website are meant to be uplifting and helpful resources in pursuit of this mission, in addition to simply listing my professional research and teaching resources.
University of St. Thomas mission statement: "Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good."
One reason that I was excited to join the faculty of the University of St. Thomas is so that I can promote the university's mission, as it aligns with my own personal mission and goals -- to use education and skills learned in a university setting as tools to promote good in our world today. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I am also a proud graduate (two degrees) of Brigham Young University, whose unofficial motto is "Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve."
Aims of a BYU education: "A BYU education should be (1) spiritually strengthening, (2) intellectually enlarging, and (3) character building, leading to (4) lifelong learning and service." I believe an education at the University of St. Thomas should likewise aim for these goals.
As a faculty member, and as a human being, I am personally committed to the following convictions listed on the University of St. Thomas's mission page:
1. pursuit of truth
We value intellectual inquiry as a life-long habit, the unfettered and impartial pursuit of truth in all its forms, the integration of knowledge across disciplines, and the imaginative and creative exploration of new ideas
2. academic excellence
We create a culture among faculty, students and staff that recognizes the power of ideas and rewards rigorous thinking
3. faith and reason
We actively engage Catholic intellectual tradition, which values the fundamental compatibility of faith and reason and fosters meaningful dialogue directed toward the flourishing of human culture
4. dignity
We respect the dignity of each person and value the unique contributions that each brings to the greater mosaic of the university community
5. diversity
We strive to create a vibrant diverse community in which, together, we work for a more just and inclusive society
6. personal attention
We foster a caring culture that supports the well-being of each member
7. gratitude
We celebrate the achievements of all members of our community in goals attained and obstacles overcome, and in all things give praise to God
University of St. Thomas mission statement: "Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good."
One reason that I was excited to join the faculty of the University of St. Thomas is so that I can promote the university's mission, as it aligns with my own personal mission and goals -- to use education and skills learned in a university setting as tools to promote good in our world today. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I am also a proud graduate (two degrees) of Brigham Young University, whose unofficial motto is "Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve."
Aims of a BYU education: "A BYU education should be (1) spiritually strengthening, (2) intellectually enlarging, and (3) character building, leading to (4) lifelong learning and service." I believe an education at the University of St. Thomas should likewise aim for these goals.
As a faculty member, and as a human being, I am personally committed to the following convictions listed on the University of St. Thomas's mission page:
1. pursuit of truth
We value intellectual inquiry as a life-long habit, the unfettered and impartial pursuit of truth in all its forms, the integration of knowledge across disciplines, and the imaginative and creative exploration of new ideas
2. academic excellence
We create a culture among faculty, students and staff that recognizes the power of ideas and rewards rigorous thinking
3. faith and reason
We actively engage Catholic intellectual tradition, which values the fundamental compatibility of faith and reason and fosters meaningful dialogue directed toward the flourishing of human culture
4. dignity
We respect the dignity of each person and value the unique contributions that each brings to the greater mosaic of the university community
5. diversity
We strive to create a vibrant diverse community in which, together, we work for a more just and inclusive society
6. personal attention
We foster a caring culture that supports the well-being of each member
7. gratitude
We celebrate the achievements of all members of our community in goals attained and obstacles overcome, and in all things give praise to God
